Self Scan Checkout Module

ABSTRACT

A self scan checkout module as a bagging module ( 12 ) for receiving goods processed via an adjacent billing module ( 11 ), said bagging module comprising a base unit ( 16 ), a first load platform ( 17 ) supported by the base unit to receive merchandise loaded onto the platform from the billing module, a support structure ( 24, 25 ) which extends upwards from the base unit, and a second load platform ( 15 ) supported at least in part by said support structure for receiving goods from the billing module when the adjacent billing module is operated by trained personnel, said second load platform being moveable relative to the support structure between a first position in which it allows substantially unimpeded access to the first load platform and a second, operational position at which it lies superimposed over and spaced above the first load platform ( 17 ) for receiving goods from the billing module.

This invention relates to a self-scan checkout module and checkout system suitable for use in a retail outlet. It relates in particular to a module and system which is adaptable to be used either in a self-service mode by a customer or in a manned mode by trained personnel.

Retail outlets typically experience a significant variation between the potential transaction rate at peak times and that at other, quieter times. In general retail outlets will endeavour to maximise the through-put of customers at the payment stage so as to result in smaller queues and decreased waiting time, thus potentially increasing customer satisfaction and spend level. Commonly that requirement is addressed by installing a large number of checkout lanes sufficient to deal with the customer demand at peak trading times, albeit that many of those lanes will be left closed at times of low demand.

For operation during off-peak periods the staffing costs of manned checkouts can be reduced by providing some checkout lanes with self-scan type checkouts. Nevertheless, there remains the need to devote floor space to the provision of checkout lanes which are to remain closed during most of the day.

To address the matter of reducing the demand on space for the additional, manned checkouts that are required during peak periods whilst still facilitating the staffing economy of providing self-scan checkouts it is known to provide dual function, hybrid checkouts which are operable both in a self-scan mode by a customer and in a manned mode by trained personnel. Because trained checkout personnel are able to process and checkout merchandise more speedily than generally possible for a customer using a self scan facility, conversion of a self-scan checkout to a manned checkout facilitates an overall increase in though-put of scanned merchandise without requiring any significant increase in floor space. Thus the staffing advantages of a self-scan checkout can be combined with the faster transaction rate of a manned checkout.

It is known to provide a dual function, hybrid checkout system with a billing module having a display unit and a card reader that can be rotated either to face in one direction for viewing by a customer when the checkout is manned, or to face in another direction, typically by rotation through 180°, for viewing by the customer when using the checkout in self scan mode, the customer then occupying that side of the checkout at which a trained operator is positioned for manned operation. However, when in the manned mode the conventionally provided bag supports in the adjacent so-called bagging area generally are found by customers to be inconvenient for the purpose of loading their purchases into bags. This is because in the manned mode the customer is at that side of the checkout opposite that which they occupy when self scanning.

The present invention seeks to provide a self-scan checkout module and a self-scan checkout system which provides an improved facility for the handling and bagging of purchases.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a self-scan checkout module in the form of a bagging module for receiving goods that have been processed via an adjacent billing module, said bagging module comprising a base unit, a first load platform supported by the base unit to receive merchandise loaded onto the platform from the billing module, a support structure which extends upwards from the base unit, and a second load platform supported at least in part by said support structure for receiving goods from the billing module when the adjacent billing module is operated by trained personnel, said second load platform being moveable relative to the support structure between a first position in which it allows substantially unimpeded access to the first load platform and a second, operational position at which it lies superimposed over and spaced above the first load platform for receiving goods from the billing module.

The present invention provides also a self-scan checkout system comprising a billing module in combination with a bagging module, said bagging module comprising a base unit which provides support for a first load platform to receive merchandise loaded onto the platform from the billing module, the system comprising a support structure which extends upwards relative to said base unit of the bagging module to provide support for a second load platform for receiving goods from the billing module, said second load platform being moveable relative to the support structure between a first position at which it allows substantially unimpeded access to said first load platform and a second, operational position for receiving merchandise from the billing module.

In the self-scan checkout system the support structure for the second, upper load platform may be defined wholly by a part of the billing module, wholly by the bagging module or it may be provided in part by each of said modules.

Said two modules of the system may be in the form of an integral assembly or the two modules may be selectively separable from and connectable to one another.

The first load platform may be defined by a weighing device that, for monitoring purposes, detects the weight of goods deposited in the bagging module.

Preferably the second load platform is supported at least in part by a support structure in the form of a panel which extends upwards relative to the base unit of the bagging module, and which may be a part of the bagging module. More preferably the second load platform is supported at least in part by a panel which extends vertically upwards from the base unit and lies in a plane which is substantially parallel with the general direction of movement of merchandise from the billing module to the bagging module.

Support structure additional to said panel may be provided to facilitate support of the second load platform when in the second, operational position. Thus a second panel or other support structure associated with the base unit of the bagging module and/or a support structure provided by the billing module may provide support for at least a part of the second load platform.

The second load platform may be releasably secured relative to said support structure such that it may, for example, be moved between said second position at which it is able to receive and support merchandise and a storage position at which it is stowed within or alongside the bagging module, or other part of checkout system or elsewhere. More preferably, however, the second load platform is substantially non-releasably secured relative to the support structure. It may be pivotally secured thereto and preferably is pivotally secured for movement about a substantially horizontally extending hinge axis.

The second load platform may comprise two sections which are pivotally secured relative to one another, for example about an axis parallel with an axis about which the platform is pivotally secured to the support structure. The second load platform may comprise two sections arranged such that one section can be folded back to bring the working surface thereof into confrontation with the working surface of the other section when moving from the second, operational position to a retracted, storage position.

An actuation mechanism such as a hydraulic or gas strut may be provided to assist movement of a pivotally secured second load platform from a first, retracted position to a second, operational position. One or more support means such as a strut or bracket may be provided for retaining the second load platform in said operational position.

The bagging unit may comprise a frame or like support structure to serve as a bag dispenser for a supply of plastic bags to be used by customers when operating in self-scan mode. The bag support structure may be dimensioned in relation to the position and dimensions of the second load platform such that the platform may be pivotally moved between said first and second positions without the need to move the bag support structure. Alternatively the bagging unit may comprise a bag support structure which is movable for the purpose of permitting movement of the second load platform between said first and second positions.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a module of the system of FIG. 1 and in a second configuration;

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c show the module of FIG. 2 in stages of conversion between two configurations, and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the module of FIG. 2 from another direction.

A dual function, hybrid checkout 10 (see FIG. 1) comprises a billing module 11 which has secured thereto a bagging module 12.

The billing module 11 is of a kind known per se for use in a dual function type checkout system and comprises a scanner 13, billing display 14 and a payment facility such as a card reader (not shown).

FIG. 1 shows the checkout in a manned mode in which a trained operator is positioned in front of the display 14 and the customer is at the far side of the checkout.

The bagging module provides an upper load platform 15 onto which scanned goods are moved from the billing module for packing by the customer or operator.

The bagging module comprises a base section 16 which supports a first, lower load platform 17 that, optionally, may be of the type known per se and which, for monitoring purposes, is operable to detect the weight or change in weight of items placed thereon.

A bag dispenser frame 20 for a supply of plastic bags is pivotally secured to the platform 17. The frame 20 is shown in an inoperative position in FIG. 1.

When the bagging module is to be converted for use in a self-scan mode the frame 20 is pivoted about the axis X-X to move the frame sections 21 to a vertical position at which the two arms 22 then extend horizontally for supporting the handle sections of a supply of plastic bags.

In contrast to FIG. 1, the bagging module 12 is shown in FIG. 2 in a configuration for use when the checkout 10 is to be used in a self-scan mode.

The base section 16 has secured thereto a vertically extending end panel 24 and a vertically extending back panel 25. Additionally the two panels are secured to one another in the corner region 26.

The upper edge of the back panel provides support for a hinge 27 by which the upper load platform 15 is pivotally secured in position.

The upper load platform 15 comprises two sections 28, 29 of substantially similar dimensions. The two sections are pivotally secured to one another by a hinge 30 such that the upper, load bearing surfaces of the two sections confront one another when the platform 15 is in the first, retracted position to allow substantially unimpeded access to the first, lower load platform 17.

A handle 31 is provided for ease of rotating the two sections simultaneously about the hinge 27 and the outer section 29 about the hinge 30.

The manner in which the upper load platform 15 is converted from the storage position of FIG. 2 to the operational position of FIG. 1 is best understood by reference to FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c.

From the position shown in FIG. 3 a the two sections 28, 29 are pivoted simultaneously about the hinge 27 to bring them each to the horizontal position shown in FIG. 3 b. At this position a rigid strut (not shown) mounted on the back panel is swung forwards to engage with and support the underside of the inner platform section 28.

The outer platform section 29 is then unfolded to bring it to the position shown in FIG. 3 c and at which it is supported by a bracket 33 secured to the end panel 24 and a bracket 34 secured to a side panel of the billing module 11.

Conversion back to the retracted position of FIG. 3 a is accomplished by reversing the aforedescribed movements. The bag dispenser 20 is then rotated upwards about the axis X-X such that the bagging module is then ready to receive a supply of bags for use by customers in a self-scan mode.

Accordingly it will be understood that the present invention readily assists conversion of a checkout system from a manned mode to a self-scan mode. Although not illustrated it will be understood also that the checkout system may be partnered with a conveyor belt for movement of goods towards the scanner. 

1. A bagging module for receiving goods that have been processed via an adjacent billing module, said bagging module comprising a base unit, a first load platform supported by the base unit to receive merchandise loaded onto the platform from the billing module, a support structure which extends upwards from the base unit, and a second load platform supported at least in part by said support structure for receiving goods from the billing module when the adjacent billing module is operated by trained personnel, said second load platform being moveable relative to the support structure between a first position in which it allows substantially unimpeded access to the first load platform and a second, operational position at which it lies superimposed over and spaced above the first load platform for receiving goods from the billing module.
 2. A bagging module according to claim 1 wherein the second load platform is substantially non-releasably secured relative to the support structure.
 3. A bagging module according to claim 1 wherein the second load platform is pivotally secured to the support structure.
 4. A bagging module according to claim 3 wherein the second load platform is pivotally secured for movement about a substantially horizontally extending axis.
 5. A bagging module according to claim 1 wherein the second load platform is releasably secured relative to said support structure.
 6. A bagging module according to claim 5 wherein the second load platform may be moved between said second storage position at which it is able to receive and support merchandise and a storage position at which it is stowed with or alongside the bagging module.
 7. A bagging module according to claim 1 wherein the second load platform comprises two sections which are pivotally secured relative to one another.
 8. A bagging module according to claim 1 wherein the second load platform comprises two sections arranged such that one section may be folded back to bring the working surface thereof into confrontation with the working surface of the other section when moving from the second, operational position to a storage position.
 9. A bagging module according to claim 1 wherein the second load platform is supported at least in part by a support structure which extends upwards relative to the base unit of the bagging module.
 10. A bagging module according to claim 9 wherein the second load platform is supported at least in part by a panel which extends vertically upwards from the base unit and lies in a plane which is substantially parallel with the general direction of movement of merchandise from a billing module to the bagging module.
 11. A bagging module according to claim 1 and comprising an actuation mechanism to assist movement of a pivotally secured second load platform to the second, operational position.
 12. A bagging module according to claim 1 and comprising a bag dispenser for a supply of bags for use by customers, said dispenser being dimensioned in relation to the position and dimensions of the second load platform such that the second load platform may be moved pivotally between first and second positions without the need to move the bag dispenser.
 13. A bagging module according to claim 1 wherein the bagging unit comprises a bag dispenser which is removable for the purpose of permitting movement of the second load platform between first and second positions.
 14. A self-scan checkout system comprising a bagging unit according to claim 1 in combination with a billing module.
 15. A self-scan checkout system according to claim 14 wherein the support structure for the second, upper load platform is defined wholly by the bagging module.
 16. A self-scan checkout system according to claim 14 wherein the support structure for the second, upper load platform is defined in part by the billing module and in part by the bagging module.
 17. A self-scan checkout system comprising a billing module in combination with a bagging module, said bagging module comprising a base unit which provides support for a first load platform to receive merchandise loaded onto the platform from the billing module, the system comprising a support structure which extends upwards relative to said base unit of the bagging module to provide support for a second load platform for receiving goods from the billing module, said second load platform being moveable relative to the support structure between a first position at which it allows substantially unimpeded access to said first load platform and a second, operational position for receiving merchandise from the billing module.
 18. A self-scan checkout system according to claim 17 wherein the support structure for the second, upper load platform is defined wholly by the bagging module.
 19. A self-scan checkout system according to claim 17 wherein the support structure for the second, upper load platform is defined in part by the billing module and in part by the bagging module. 